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Definition

Shintaido is a noncombative form of martial arts designed to improve physical and mental health.

Origins

Although shintaido has its roots in the ancient and traditional Japanese martial arts, including elements of sword fencing, karate, and aikido. Hiroyuki Aoki, an actor, artist, and shotokai karate master, developed shintaido in Yokohama, Japan, in 1965. He formed rakutenkai or "meeting of people," a group that brought together several dozen people, including martial arts instructors, artists, musicians, and actors, to create a new art form and health exercise. Translated from Japanese, shintaido means "new body way."

Benefits

Like many other martial arts, shintaido promotes a healthy mind and spirit as much as a...